The Louisiana Rice Council and Louisiana Rice Association will hold their joint annual membership meeting at the International Rice Festival Building in Crowley, Jan. 24.

All producers, millers and others with a stake in the state’s rice industry are invited to attend.

The keynote speaker will be radio commentator Orion Samuelson. Samuelson will cover the status of food production in the United States and the world, according to Jimmy Hoppe, a rice producer and president of the Louisiana Rice Council.

“Orion Samuelson’s perspectives are of interest to everyone in agriculture. I encourage everyone in the Louisiana rice industry to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from him in person,” Hoppe said.

The program will include a report on international promotion funded by the Louisiana rice checkoff.

Betsy Ward, vice president of promotion for the USA Rice Federation, will provide an in-depth report on international program activities and results.

USA Rice Federation President and CEO Stuart Proctor will make the annual financial report. Proctor also will provide a government affairs update.

Hoppe and Louisiana Rice Growers Association President Morgan Smith will conduct the business portions for their respective organizations.

Coffee and refreshments will be served beginning at 5 p.m. The business session kicks off at 5:45. The meeting, which includes dinner, will conclude around 8:30 p.m.